On April 6, get thee to a record store for the new album from Austin singer/songwriter Amy Cook, called “Let the Light In.”

Better yet, get to Waterloo Records around 5 p.m. for a live performance in the store.

Cook is one of those artists that should make us all proud we live in Austin. Her voice is velvety soft;  her lyrics are vividly sensitive. The sound is a little folk, a little rock and completely American. If you’re a fan of Brandi Carlile and Aimee Mann, and you haven’t heard Amy Cook, it’s time you listened.

I heard “Hotel Lights,” the first single, in the car and was instantly transported to an emotional state that was probably more dangerous than texting while driving. It’s heartbreaking. “Moonrise” is sensual and bluesy, with the welcome addition of electric guitar. “Get it Right” has the catchy, but mellow style of Ray Lamontagne.

The album was produced by Alejandro Escovedo, and features Patty Griffin on the track “Hotel Lights.” Ben Kweller co-wrote “Let’s Go Down to the River.”

If you can’t catch her at Waterloo on Tuesday, you’ve got another shot on Thursday at the Hotel San Jose, where Cook will be playing a free show in the courtyard at 6 p.m.

A little trivia – Chris Searles, a valued Austin Post contributor, occasionally plays drums for Amy Cook.

More tour dates and free downloads are available at www.amycook.com.